Barchester Friston House Care Home

414 City Way, Rochester ME1 2BQ
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9.8 122 Reviews
  • Barchester Friston House Care Home, Rochester
Friston House makes the most of pleasant grounds and a versatile interior to provide top quality nursing care and dementia care in a residential and nursing environment with professionals available round-the-clock.

A committed team work hard to ensure that all provision is tailored to the individual, while allowing them to make the most of a relaxed and homely atmosphere.

All staff are carefully chosen and well-qualified to achieve the best standards, with the company philosophy focusing on an attentive service that also supports an active lifestyle. Personal interests are encouraged and there is much to enjoy within the life of the home.

The aim is to meet all residents’ needs over the long-term, living up to a reputation for quality that Barchester homes have earned.

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Care Provided by Barchester Friston House Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 81 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Stroke
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sandra Verrell (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (81)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2019

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Friston House Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,624

  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Friston House Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking

  • Free parking on site


Barchester Friston House Care Home Reviews (122)

Total of 122, showing 101-120
9.8

Barchester Friston House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.794) out of 10, based on 46 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Friston House Care Home has 122 reviews.

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Review from John S (Son of Resident) published on 10 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

General care given is very good and very caring. Nothing is too much trouble for any of the staff even down to the cleaners, hence we have put another family member in their care.

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Review from Roy L (Son of Resident) published on 27 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everything is great. Reception - décor, staff, food and comfort is all first class.

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Review from D S (Son of Resident) published on 27 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a first-rate care home without exception. The carers look after the residents extremely well and are always on hand to deal with any problems and offer help and advice. All residents are treated with dignity, the rooms and communal areas are spotlessly clean, good quality food and a range of
activities. The only slight criticism is that the management team could perhaps be more proactive in interacting with the residents rather than leaving this to the carers. This is by no means the cheapest home in the area, but I am more than happy that my mum is receiving the best possible level of care.

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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum went to Friston in November 2016 and has been very well looked after. She is at the end of her journey with dementia and the staff are very caring and helpful for all her needs and towards the family.

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Review from Charles F (Son of Resident) published on 20 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are totally satisfied with the care my mother receives. Issues that we raise are normally dealt with quickly.

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Review from Annie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident in both residential and elderly frail provision at Friston House Care Centre. Mum is always treated with respect, kindness and professional and I am so happy to know that she is safe and very well cared for. Care homes are completely dependable on the quality fo their staff and
Friston House has an excellent team at all levels from management to cleaners and laundry staff. I looked at 21 care homes before, via recommendation and I found Friston House Care Centre thank you.

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Review from Barbara M (Friend of Resident) published on 20 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every member of staff pleasant, impressed by residents cooking with staff members. On each visit residents always seem to have been drinking tea and always given biscuits, doing puzzles and many activities. This is a lovely home and I would always say that it is a lovely home for a member of any family
member.

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Review from V P (Friend of Resident) published on 20 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As soon as you enter the home no urine smells as there sometimes are when you go in other homes. Staff are always pleasant, always greet you and are always engaged with residents. You only hear the bad things about nursing homes but this is exceptional in the care and how they interact with residents.
It is wonderful to see.

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Review from Janet J (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The review was very informative and dealt with in a pleasant manner. I was very happy with my fathers care plan. The home is excellent in many ways from cleanliness and general care of his needs.

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Review from Eileen J (Wife of Resident) published on 14 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are very caring and when I leave my husband after visiting, I know he will be well looked after.

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Review from Valerie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum went into residential care in 2014 in 2016 we had to move her to memory lane as her vascular dementia had deteriorated thus not able to take care of her personal hygiene, feed herself or toileting needs. The staff and management took excellent care of her with dignity love and care until her
death on 6/2/17 and even then they guided us her family and initiated everything needed for the undertakers, thank you all so much.

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Review from Annette G (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother has been resident at this care home for almost three years. The home and its staff are exceptional. The care given to her has been wonderful. I cannot thank them enough.

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Review from P M (Son of Resident) published on 1 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was at Friston House for the last 8 months of her life, following a severe stroke. My wife and I selected it after looking at 7 other nursing homes locally. It was at the upper end of the price range, but not the most expensive. It was definitely the right choice.
There were no negatives
and many positives, notably the caring nature of staff and the quality of their work. All the staff seemed to know all the residents in depth and made sure they were kept as happy and comfortable as possible.

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Review from Carole H (Wife of Resident) published on 3 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband spent four months in nursing care. He has Parkinsons with Lewy body (not common) which meant he needed understanding and a lot of caring, which he received at Friston. My family and I were so pleased we found such a good home for him in his remaining days. Also, the staff gave us all support
and went beyond their jobs in all they did. Many thanks to them all.

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Review from Terence S (Friend of Resident) published on 24 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Every tine I have visited my friend I have found the staff and management to be helpful and accommodating. The building is always clean and tidy. The facilities there are very good. The staff are very patient and are always trying to get my friend to join in with the activities.

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Review from Jenni G (Sister of Resident) published on 23 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visit my sister on a weekly basis - she has early onset Alzheimer's. She is hard work for the carers as at aged 60 years, she is still strong and particularly difficult to handle. I have observed the carers being kind and affectionate with her - extremely patient when she is proving difficult with
her personal care - and inventive with their ideas in getting her to participate in various activities. The staff are always available to update me on relevant information on my sister and listen to any concerns I may have on her condition.

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Review from Rob T (Stepson of Resident) published on 16 May 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to thank all the staff that cared for my step-father in his last year, they treated him with care, compassion and kindness, they where always polite to him and to the family when visiting.
They went out of their way to make sure my step-dad was comfortable and involved him in the many
activities they have for residents. The home was always clean and tidy , all areas of the home are well kept. I would highly recommend Friston house to anyone that was looking for a home for an elderly relative.

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Review from Kathy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 March 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother moved into Friston House in October 2008, with some understanding of her situation (Alzheimers). Mum was always treated respectfully and with dignity. All her needs
were met and dealt with. We took mum to church regularly initially, but sadly as mum's condition worsened it became increasingly
difficult (I had health problems too). We visited as and when and always found mum clean and happy. Sadly she had a fall and broke her hip, this lead to her being confined to bed, sadly her condition now was deteriorating, the staff continued to care for mum with dignity, never did I see or hear anything that I didn't like. I have always felt confident leaving mum. Christmas Eve 2015 we were told that mum was now actually nearing the end of life. We obviously knew this was going to happen then the reality hit us. The staff were absolutely wonderful treating mum with such great caring. I was so grateful for their wonderful care shown to mum nothing could have been done nicer, words can't say what I'm trying to express. The staff on duty when passed away were superb and I can't thank them enough for the care they showed to mum to the last moments of her life. Although it's their job it was all dealt with so lovingly. Trying to say Thank you seems very inadequate. How do you thank the staff for caring for your mum. A huge thank you to the staff. From Kathy and family.

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Review from Margaret M (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 March 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at the home since October 2014. Myself and family have nothing but praise for all the staff from the manager and office staff, she received kindness and understanding. The entertainment and outings she enjoyed and was able to gain confidence in a friendly safe environment.
I have nothing but praise for the home comforts and although mum passed away this month, her quality of life in her final years in the home was excellent.

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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We made the best possible choice for our mother, the nearest to her own home. The care was outstanding throughout her three year stay.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.794)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.794) out of 10 for Barchester Friston House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 46 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 46 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.794 for Barchester Friston House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (443 Excellents x 5) + (90 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 543 Ratings = 4.794

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Friston House Care Home is based on 46 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 81 registered maximum number of service users is 16.2, which has been reached with 46 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 5 Sep 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Requires improvement

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (66)

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Meet the Team (11)

Sandra

Sandra Verrell

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 2017

Hi, my name is Sandra Verrell and I am the General Manager at Friston House.


I have been a Registered Nurse since 1983 and have over 30 years of experience working in the care home environment, including more than 20 years as a General Manager.


I am a passionate nurse and a leader who is dedicated to delivering excellent care to our residents through well-supported, skilled and supported teams. My role as General Manager is to support the team in providing person-centred care and to make sure our residents feel safe and comfortable in their homes.


Ana

Ana Pasoi

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2019

I am the Deputy Manager here at Friston House. I graduated as a nurse back in Romania in 2015 and arrived in the UK in the same year when I started my nursing career.


I joined Friston House in May 2019. I have a passion for caring for the elderly, and that makes my job so interesting and fulfilling. My aim is to ensure that the residents in my care enjoy the highest standard of care and that they are always comfortable and safe.


Becky

Becky Farrell

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2025

My name is Becky, I’m the Home Administrator at Friston House Care Home I have a strong background in healthcare administration with over 25 years of experience.


Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles, including managing teams and supporting services within the NHS and private sector. My focus has always been on ensuring smooth operations, supporting staff, and maintaining high standards of service delivery. Now, I’m at Friston House, where I’m dedicated to supporting my colleagues, and most importantly, helping residents, families, and friends navigate life in the care home.


I’m here to offer support and guidance to those who are living in or considering care with us.


Adela

Adela Lupu

Job Title: Unit Manager

Joined: 2019

Hi, I am the Unit Manager on Nightingale Walk.
I have a passion for nursing and it was always my aim to qualify as a registered nurse which I achieved in 2015.


I have worked here at Friston House since 2019 as a Senior Nurse and in 2022 went on to become the head of unit in Memory Lane.


I enjoy caring for others, promoting their comfort and wellbeing. I am enthusiastic about implementing a new dementia care approach, supporting residents to have a good quality of life in a safe environment and ensuring a high standard of care is provided at all times.


Ewa

Ewa Adamska

Job Title: Unit Manager/Care Practitioner

Joined: 2020

My name is Ewa and I am a Care Practitioner who is currently undertaking a Degree as an Assistant Practitioner. I am also acting as a Unit Manager on the Phoenix Rise Unit. I have long experience in Health and Social Care supported by national qualifications. I am passionate about my role and residents wellbeing.


I am progressing in my career and developing knowledge and skills. I am dedicated to my residents and aim to improve their quality of life and provide a safe environment. I want to maintain a friendly atmosphere for all residents and their families and support them to feel comfortable at Friston House.


I have been with Barchester since December 2020 and enjoy working with an experienced and excellent team of nurses and care staff.


I look forward to welcoming you at Friston House and feeling here at home.


Nicol

Nicol Nasturas

Job Title: Acting Unit Manager

Joined: 2019

I am a Care Practitioner and also Acting Head of Unit on the Phoenix Rise Community. I have worked here in Friston House since 2019 and was employed as a carer. In 2024 I went on to become Head of Unit in Phoenix Rise .


I have previous experience in health and social care supported by internal qualifications in the home as well as independent external qualifications. I am passionate about my role and thrive to provide quality care for all residents. I am advancing in my career and continue to develop my knowledge and skills, which I have been able to do whilst actively working.


I am dedicated to the residents and aim to improve quality of life and provide a safe environment. I am motivated to ensure all residents receive a high standard of person centred care, safety and dignity.


Janine

Janine Payne

Job Title: Administration Assistant

Joined: 2020

Hi, I’m Janine, Admin Assistant and the homes Wellbeing Champion, I am the first point of call for enquiries and often will be the one to help guide you if your loved one is coming into our home. As Wellbeing Champion I am responsible for helping staff with any concerns they may have regarding their work, mental health or anything they may need guidance with. If you have any questions, I am the friendly face to help you at the Reception Desk.


Abin

Abin Babu

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2019

I am Abin, the Head Chef here at Friston House. I have enjoyed working as a professional chef for over 10 years and find the care industry a very rewarding environment. I am passionate about cooking with my specialist skill being desserts and pastries.


David

David Johnson

Job Title: Head of Activities

Joined: 2023

I’m David, I have been working at Friston House since December of 2023.


I have a background in the visitor attraction sector as an events and activities manager, working with families to create engaging, fun activities that result in long-lasting memories. I believe that care home activities should be just as fun, engaging, inclusive to all and worthwhile. Either as a group, self-led or on a one-to-one basis.


Colin

Colin Porter

Job Title: Head of Maintenance

Joined: 2024

My Name is Colin. I have just taken on the role as the New Head of Maintenance

A role I am dedicated to doing the best within my role.


My experience began at college where I undertook an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. I achieved City and Guilds and advanced City and Guilds.


I have helped build B&Q stores and travelled the world Working in five-star Hotels, for the last two years in the care industry as a maintenance operative.


You will always see me with a smile and be happy to help the residents and staff feel safe in the home.
If you have a leaky tap or need a picture hanging…..
I‘m your man.


Denise

Denise Spencer

Job Title: Senior Head Housekeeper

Joined: 2024

Hi, I'm Denise


I started working at Friston House on December 24 as the head housekeeper. I have many years of cleaning and supervising behind me.


I love to work with my Team and support them so we can all provide a high standard of service to our residents. A clean, welcoming home is my priority. I also enjoy interacting with our residents and their families.